Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare preview for the PC

In this issue of PCGZine, we have a huge hands-on preview of the latest in the Call of Duty franchise, Modern Warfare. The clue to the game is in the title - the action in this COD instalment takes place half a century after the WW2 conflict we've been used to. The departure from the WW2 arena brings us bang up to date and into a world of global terrorism, taking in conflict zones in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Will this move forward in time and into modern combat prove a success for the franchise. Read our full Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare preview in this month's PCGZine to find out.
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Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare preview for the PC
Call of Duty has become synonymous with World War II, but for the first time in its long and distinguished service history, Modern Warfare jumps half a century ahead to bring us the most cuttingedge combat experience we've ever experienced. Rumour has it that Infinity Ward didn't even want to call this a Call of Duty game and had in mind a totally new franchise, but Activision decided to retain the COD branding and although the setting is very different, we think this was the right decision.

Modern Warfare may be totally Nazi free, but within seconds of play you know beyond doubt that this is a Call of Duty game. The classic controls give it that solid and familiar COD feel, with click to zoom and hold breath to steady. There's no smart-cover as in Medal of Honor: Airbourne, or cling-tocover as in Gears of War, but instead we have the new ability to shoot through certain materials with high calibre weapons, so cover is no longer as safe as it used to be.

Graphically it's also a familiar COD style, but textures are far more detailed, as are character models and the complexity (and sheer scale) of buildings and environments. Although this is still a linear game for the most part, levels and objectives are linked together perfectly and battle pace rages between attack, stealth and defence so frequently, with so many vehicle rides in between, that you feel part of a much wider world and plot.